Saturday, March 16, 2013

Lily's in the ICU

First let me say a BIG thank you to everyone for the love, support and prayers for Lily Belle and all of us. This sure is a very trying time for one and all. They say something like "that does not break us only makes us stronger." Well I'm holding firm on that thought because I feel like I'm about to break right in half. So when all is said and done, I should rightfully be stronger than Superman and the Hulk combined.

Last night there was no change in Lily at all. She was still miserable. Of course I knew that the antibiotics would take time to work so I had to give it time. We went to bed and I slept the entire night with my hand on her chest. I was so worried that she was going to leave us while we were sleeping. I have insomnia and especially with this miserable upper respiratory infection of mine, I really don't sleep. So staying awake was no problem for me. It was a restless night for the both of us.

I was a little more hopeful this morning when Lily actually ate her breakfast. Then she wouldn't drink anything at all which was a big concern. One step forward, two steps back. She slept all morning long and again didn't look good.

Here she is with her eyes rolled back into her head (look out, crazy lady with camera coming thru!)

I left right after lunch to take Grandpa Bob to his friends house to play cards. (We don't even like my Dad driving the golf cart so I always make up excuses to drive him.) When I got back Rolf was having trouble waking Lily up. He was trying to get her to drink some water. He had taken her out to pee right after I left the house and he said only a drop or two came out of her. So he knew she really needed water.

I tried waking her and she would just open her eyes a tad like she was struggling really hard to open them and then they would close. She didn't have the energy to open her eyes. Her eyes are still beet red. They keep rolling back in her head. I talked to her and she couldn't even lift her head up. That's it! We scooped her up and ran out the door while dialing the Vet in the other hand and trying to text Newby's Mama at the same time.

I'm hysterical on the phone and describing Lily as a dog who is dying on me. They knew the severity of it yesterday so they are expecting the worst today. We pulled into the parking lot and there was a Vet team waiting for us in the parking lot. I get out of the van with Lily limp in my arms. I take two steps towards the Vet, the Vet starts talking, Lily opens her eyes and starts wagging her tail! Leave it to Lily!! We all started laughing.

Her temperature is higher today than yesterday. She is now extremely dehydrated. They do a chest xray and that comes back clear. They are still sticking by it being a severe urinary tract infection. Her body is working very hard to fight it. They can see that she appears worse than yesterday. She is hardly moving and are all concerned. They start her on IV fluids immediately and will be adding in the antibiotics shortly. Lily needs to stay with them. She will be in the ICU due to the severity of her condition. I know she is much safer with them. She will be monitored all night long and will not be left alone. Our Florida Vet(s) are wonderful and are in a brand new, state of the art facility which they designed. I'm thankful she is getting the very best of care.

But...... I am a basket~case and I can't stop crying. I know we all feel the same way, when one hurts, we all hurt. These are our babies.

I don't even want to tell you what it was like to walk out the door and leave her there. To say 'see you later sweet pea, I love you with all my heart and soul' damn near killed me. I wanted to puke right then and there.

Oh, and about Rolf? He's always so stoic! That is, until he turns his back. Then he wears his heart on his sleeve. And just don't get me going right now about little Muffin. She's our little lost soul searching for her sister.

Not knowing what the next second, minute or hour will bring us is gut-wrenching and heart breaking.

I will tell you this, I will be the one on my knees tonight praying like I've never prayed before. And if by chance you hear me praying all the way over at your house, feel free to join in. We could truly use all the additional prayers we can get our hands on right about now.

Me and my girl

Hugs,
Kim

Special thanks to Newby for getting the word out on Lily and so quickly. And to Newby's Mom, thanks for trying to keep me sane! Nola's Mom, I did post a thread on that Board you linked me to. Thanks for sending it to me and for your very kind and loving e-mail. To Amber's Mama, girlfriend your kindness means the world to me. It was wonderful talking to you today. And yes, I WILL call you should I need help. (I'm not bashful about asking either....) And WHN, I know you've got a good connection somehow with the new Pope. Please put in a good word for us.

55 comments:

We're tearing up reading this post. We have everything (fingers, paws, tails) crossed for Lily girl, and we'll pray right along with you. I hope you, Lily, Rolf, Grandpa and Muffin all feel the love and power of Blogville surrounding you and praying with you. We love you all so much, and know Lily is strong enough to beat this, and you are strong enough to be there for Lily. All our love and prays and POTP,Amanda and Nola and The Minions 3

We second all that Nola's Mom said. Lily is in the best place right now to get the best care possible. All you and we can do is call on that power of the paw and the power of prayer for tomorrow to show much improvement. Maybe the IV fluids will do the trick. Thinking all good thoughts for you and Lily and all the family.

Still praying for Lily Belle. Today's news is very sad to hear. I know how hard it was for you to leave her with her being so sick. Please let everyone know how is she tomorrow. It sounds like your vet hospital is a very good one for Lily Belle. Tell Muffin I hope Lily is home very soon to play again.

I'm pacing right along with you, Kim. And the pack is pacing right behind me...probably because I haven't even given them their dinner yet. John needed a hand with the drywall so I got a little tied up.

We'll all be saying extra prayers tonight for your baby girl. The VHA Hospital is the very best place she could be tonight. We have to think positive that they will be the ones to pull her through this backed by all the POTP that Blogville has to give.

Oh Man. Ma's eyes are all watery, so she said I could take over. I am keepin' my paws crossed real, real tight for Lily Belle!!! It is such a relief to have such good vetties and good facilities takin' care of the sweetie. Ma says everyone knows how you feel, and we have been there before, and we are with you and your family now. I will be sendin' you some AireZens, and some prayers and some healin' vibes to the sweet gurl. You tell her, I said to kick this UTI in the ARSE!!!!Please keep us posted, and I hope you get to feel better too!Kisses,Ruby

Let's hope that WHN's Pope connection does the job...after all he did pick his name after the patron saint of animals. Millie has her paws crossed as tight as possible and you know I am keeping you all in my thoughts. You are lucky to have a vet that has 24 hour care so you know she won't be alone tonight. Big hugs to all of you and try to get some rest. I suggest some alcoholic beverages right before bed time to help you nod off.

I wish I was there to give you a big hug and lots of kisses!My paws will be crossed for Lily and my mom is praying too!We will be waiting for your next post telling us Lily is feeling much better...Take careKisses and hugsLorenza

Dear Miss Lil Belle, I just heard and I am so worried. Please give it all you have little one, and fight this thing. We are all praying for you over here in Utah. We love youBert, My Vickie, yes even Allred

OMD we are praying Lily will pull through. I don't know what to say but we understand the anguish. We too had a frightful scare with Pippin not long ago which ended up with an all nighter too and then a rush to the vets followed by some strong words as they should have given her antibiotics earlier. Anyway she too would not eat or drink and was hardly moving. Ended up as a severe chest infection. We eventually got her to drink and eat by giving her teaspoons of Aloe Vera juice. It is slightly sweet and got her wanting to drink in the end and then eat. We thought we'd come to the end of our road with Pip but she too is a little fighter. Our thoughts are with you. Please give us an update when you can. Try and stay strong as Lily will need you when she gets home. Take care.All our love and prayers Molly & Pippin & Peeps.

Oh you poor things, both the Mom and Lily. We sure are praying for the best. We haven't been coming here very long but do understand how horrible it can me when the fur babies get sick. We are all crossing our paws for Lily and we have a thing around here, our two minature donkeys cross their cute hooves for those that are sick. You sure are in our thoughts and prayers and hope the best for little Lily. Big hugs to you Mom and Dad.

Crap...crap...crap...I just can't stand da thought of Lily and ya'll goin' through all dis. I know yours and Rolf's heart is breakin; in half cuz I thinks I just felt mine crack as well. I am so thankful hers is withs some of da bestest vets and I knows thaey is takin' good care of her while ya'll can't be with her. I know how hard it is to walk away and let them take control...dat is da hardest thing fur a mom and dad...but she is safe.We will continue to send our prayers to ya'll and know that each and everyone of ya'll is in our hearts durin' dis most difficult time.Stay strong Lily and know we will gets you through dis.

OH no! I am sending you all the power of the paw. I hope that Lily is starting to improve. Please give her a gentle kiss from me.

You asked if anyone else has dealt with UTIs. My dog K had about a million of them in her life. It takes a little while for the antibiotics to start working. She was never as extreme as you're describing for Lily - but that was probably because I could see one coming a mile away after years of experience. She'd be in great pain and very lethargic, plus she'd ask to go out a lot, and then take many little tiny pees, squatting incessantly. Usually, 24 hrs of antibiotics set her right.

Lily Belle my sweet little beautiful Doxie girl....I am so very very very sorry to read that you are feeling so poorly. Oh no when my friends hurt I hurt.Mom and I send you a lot of purrs and hugs and are awaiting some good news.Lots of love madi your BFFF and Mom

Lily we are praying for your recovery. You are always in our thoughts and are part of our family. I would be sitting by your side if we did not live so far away. Please let us know if we can be of any help. amaqks@yahoo.com. I left my phone number for an update but for some reason that comment did not post.

We just heard that Lily Belle is doing better! Yay! This makes us so happy, we were so concerned last night after reading this. We'll keep sending healing purrs and purrayers her way. Hope you get some much-needed rest, too. ((hugs)) from all of us at Prancer Pie.

You don't know me, but know that my heart is aching for you right now. Having dealt with a very sick dog before, I have a sense of the helplessness you feel right now. I really hope the antibiotics kick in soon. Thank you for sharing your story. Sam and Nim.

Sweet Lily, I have paws crossed for you. I am sending hugs and wishes my very best wishes that you are feeling better. I just saw on DWM that you are on your way home, so I feel a little better. I hope you get lots of rest now my sweet pal. I will keep paws crossed.

Checking in this evening to see if Lily is feeling better. She has been in our thoughts and prayers all day. When Mom logged in this evening we said another get well soon Lily prayer. We will be waiting and praying for good news from Lily. All our love , Herbie and his Mama

Sweet Lily, it is almost bed time for Mom and Me but I could not rest until I knew how you were doing. I hope you are back home with your family. As soon as you are feeling better I will dance a Happy Dance for you. Our prayers and loving thoughts are with you. Herbie and his Mom

I'm so very glad our girl is home and doing better. :) I'm also very happy to have been able to pass along what was going on for you all :) It's part of what makes Blogville so great... well, besides not having stinky fish!

Lily

Muffin

Who We Are

Hi friends, I'm Lily Belle and my sister's name is Muffin. We live in beautiful upstate NY. We own 3 hoomans ~ Mommy, Daddy and Grandpa. We have an awesome life!! There is never a dull moment around here. Hope you enjoy our Blog.